Atienza to Lim: What bankruptcy?

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza yesterday denounced allegations that the City of Manila was “bankrupt” after his third term as mayor of the country’s capital.
“Records clearly show that Manila had a P2.6-billion fund after my term officially expired in 2007,” he said, standing on his track record as the only Manila mayor elected for three consecutive terms.
Atienza said his nine-year administration gave the city “a very healthy economy” that efficiently collected taxes which were returned to residents through the Buhayin ang Maynila urban renewal and development program.
“Inheriting a poor annual revenue collection of only P2 billion from my predecessor in 1998, my administration, through innovative reforms, overwhelmingly raised it up to P8 billion. Our income-generating efforts were evidenced by topping the ranks in a centerspread published 2006 financial report of no less than the Commission on Audit and Department of Finance,” he said, referring the incumbent.
He said hospitals and health centers had adequate equipment and medicine stocks while nutrition programs were in place.
Atienza noted that young Manilans, especially from poor families, obtained quality education even as businesses thrived, generating jobs and livelihood.
He said transactions were streamlined to do away with red tape and corruption.
Manila was safe, he added, because law violators were arrested and punished.
With garbage regularly collected and roads well maintained, the city enjoyed a clean and healthy environment.
“We had a vision pursued and delivered. My performance as Manila’s father is proof of genuine public service. Lies being peddled must be corrected.”
Atienza said the present administration had no one else to blame for its bankruptcy.